Digital Art Workshops for Alzheimer Scotland
I facilitated and coordinated a digital art group for Alzheimer Scotland through Microsoft Teams during lockdown, between December 2020 and August 2022. The workshops consisted of individuals with dementia and their carers selecting something personal to them in response to a theme, which I then printed a photograph of and deliver, along with a canvas and art materials.
Each week, I made a little presentation showcasing some classic and contemporary painters for inspiration and to start conversations about the types of art we like.
The art group featured in a film called ‘Creative Community Wellbeing’ by Bonnie MacRae for Creative Dundee. I chat through the group with a participant called Malcolm, alongside two other artists speaking about how their practice helps people in the Dundee community.
The film is available to watch below:
Creative Community Wellbeing Film
The art group also featured in a Courier article, exploring one particular individual’s story about how painting reconnected him with his family and city during lockdown.
The story is available to read below:
Some feedback from the group:
“Malcolm said to pass on his thanks for this morning and said it was absolutely brilliant.”
“Just spoke to Alice on the phone and she said that she thoroughly enjoyed it and it made her want to paint again after not painting for months. She can’t wait for next week.”
“The family are so pleased and impressed so thank you for all your help and encouragement.”
“It’s been so lovely to hear them chatting with each other during the sessions about being resilient and how much finding things to do, like painting, helps.”
Jan and Justin
“The Art Club programmes have been a real gift: stimulating, uplifting and enjoyable. It is always an hour of interest and creative connection. Justin finds it a calming process and a bright highlight in the week.
Cara is highly skilled at creating a safe and supportive atmosphere, and relaxed participation. In her gentle and kind way, she introduces different approaches and encourages individual and full expression, without any pressure or stress - and with lots of helpful praise which always emphasises the positive.
Justin has also been motivated sometimes to continue his paintings after the club on his own, although soon runs out of steam without Cara’s patient and kind persuasion and encouragement!
Justin (and I) have appreciated the Art Club programmes very much indeed, and especially grateful for Cara’s compassionate understanding, motivation and expertise. It has also helped Justin to focus and converse, which his dementias often prevent.”
